Everybody loves Bull Shoals Lake, but have you ever wondered about the "Government Take Line"? Test your knowledge here.

1. Bull Shoals Lake was constructed primarily for purposes of power generation.

True

False

2. The real name for the government boundary around Bull Shoals Lake is “U.S. Government Fee Taking Line.”

True

False

3. The terms “Government Shoreline”, the “Flood Pool”, the “Government Strip”, and the “Corps Line” are synonymous.

True

False

4. At normal pool, the distance from the Government take line to the water is 50 yards.

True

False

5. Boat dock permits are controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

True

False

6. Most of the Bull Shoals Lake shoreline is available for use by the public.

True

False

ANSWERS:

1. FALSE - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundments such as lakes Norfork and Bull Shoals were constructed primarily for purposes of flood control with power generation as an added justification.

2. TRUE - It was necessary for the government to take the land, either through negotiated purchase or condemnation (exercising their right of eminent domain). Thus, the reservoir boundary created by these actions has become known as the “Government Take Line”. In fact, the fee simple title acquired to these properties has caused the Corps of Engineers to dub this perimeter as the “U.S. Government Fee Taking Line.” That’s the REAL name.

3. TRUE - The Bull Shoals Lake perimeter is often referred to as the “Government Shoreline”, the “Flood Pool”, the “Government Strip”, and the “Corps Line”.

4. FALSE - At normal pool, this line’s distance from the water varies from a few yards to about three miles. On Bull Shoals the line goes through five counties in Missouri and Arkansas for a total of more than 1,000 miles. You can hike the whole perimeter without trespassing. Be sure and bring a sack lunch.

5. TRUE - Boat docks are only permitted at designated spots on the lake-shore, amounting to about 10% of the shoreline. The Mountain Home office of the Corps handles application for these.

6. TRUE - Other than a few restricted spots such as Corps parks, wildlife refuges, and marina leases, this shoreline land, which amounts to tens of thousands of acres, is available for use by the public. Hiking, hunting, looking for arrowheads, and harvesting wild mushrooms and berries are all permitted activities. If you own property adjacent to this take line, you can ask for a permit from the Corps to build your own six foot wide footpath to the lake. No new roads to the lake can be built, but existing ones can be used.

Did you complete the test? Regardless your score, if you buy a property at Bull Shoals Lake, you’ll get an A+. We guarantee it!